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German Doctors Warn Against Drugstore Health Tests by Quest Diagnostics

A skin check at the drugstore could do more harm than good. Doctors expose the hidden dangers of retail health tests—and why Germany may ban them.

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1 min read
The image shows a person in blue gloves working on a medical device on a table surrounded by boxes,...
The image shows a person in blue gloves working on a medical device on a table surrounded by boxes, cups, and other objects. In the background, there are papers attached to the wall, suggesting that the person is in a hospital setting. This could be a representation of the five reasons why you should be a doctor: the use of medical equipment, the importance of monitoring and diagnosing medical conditions, the need for medical professionals, the cost of medical supplies, the potential for medical care, and the potential risks associated with it.

German Doctors Warn Against Drugstore Health Tests by Quest Diagnostics

The German Medical Association has raised serious concerns about diagnostic services now being offered in drugstore chains. Tests like skin checks and blood analyses, provided by companies such as Quest Diagnostics in partnership with dm since August 2024, pose significant risks to patients, according to the organisation. These in-store health services often deliver only isolated measurements without the full medical context needed for accurate assessment. A blood test or skin examination requires not just technical skill but also the ability to interpret results alongside a patient’s history, symptoms, and potential complications. Drugstores, however, lack the trained staff and emergency facilities to manage sudden health crises, such as circulatory collapse or severe allergic reactions. Pre-analytical errors in blood diagnostics—like improper sample handling—can also lead to misleading lab results. Even when tests are performed correctly, the findings demand a doctor’s expertise to avoid false reassurance or unnecessary panic. Physicians can evaluate results within a broader clinical picture, something a retail setting cannot provide. The association has stressed that medical care involves more than reading test values. It requires a protected environment where confidentiality, competence, and empathy are guaranteed. Without these safeguards, patients may receive incomplete or even harmful advice. The German Medical Association is calling for stricter regulations, including potential bans, to prevent these services from compromising patient safety. Lawmakers must now decide whether to enforce clear boundaries, ensuring that medical diagnostics remain under professional supervision. The outcome will determine how such tests are accessed—and how securely they are delivered.

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